Gun dog training centre at Land South West Of Arns Farm, Auchterarder

What was proposed

The application proposed a gun dog training centre with kennels, veterinary and training facilities, accommodation, renewable energy and associated works.

“Proposal: Change of use of quarry to gun dog training centre, erection of kennels, veterinary practice, reception building, indoor arena, maintenance buildings, staff and student accommodation, installation of PV and ASHP and associated works…”

“1 The proposal is to make use of parts of Craigrossie Quarry by the applicant ‘Mordor Gundogs’ as the “Dog Ranch”. Craigrossie Quarry being southwest of Hall Farm, between Auchterarder and Aberuthven. The proposed use and associated development works can be described as a mixed-use development comprising kennels, training and operational facilities, a veterinary practice, staff and student accommodation, and associated infrastructure, alongside the accelerated restoration of the quarry – the operation of which would cease to facilitate the use as the Dog Ranch.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 1.9-hectare site lies within a larger quarry between Aberuthven and Auchterarder, using existing hardstanding and access from the B8062.

“2 The application site extends to approximately 1.9 hectares (ha) and sits within the wider Craigrossie Quarry (c.21.7ha). The quarry is located between the settlements of Aberuthven and Auchterarder, with the A9 forming the north-west boundary of the site and the Stirling–Perth railway line forming the southern boundary. Access is to the east off the B8062.”

“8 The proposed development would be located within the core operational area of the quarry. The ‘red line’ boundary of the Dog Ranch encapsulating a substantially smaller area (1.9ha) than the wider quarry (21.7ha). It is located on an area of existing hardstanding, currently occupied by buildings, parking, and machinery storage, and therefore does not, in itself, require extensive restoration.”

Officer report

Quarry history and restoration

The quarry has a history of mineral extraction, while revised proposals would end quarrying and accelerate restoration by 2027.

“3 The current application is closely linked to the long‑running planning situation at Craigrossie Quarry and the associated undetermined mineral extraction and restoration application associated with the wider quarry site. That application was submitted in 2019 and sought to secure continued mineral extraction alongside a structured and detailed restoration scheme post quarrying.”

“6 The updated proposals set out revised restoration proposals for application 19/01927/MWM considered elsewhere on this Committee’s Agenda. The accelerated restoration effectively addressing the long‑standing objective of the Council to secure the comprehensive restoration of the quarry, returning the land to a more natural state following mineral extraction, while enabling the redevelopment of part of the quarry as the Dog Ranch.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the rural business appropriately located and the design, landscape, noise, transport, drainage and ecological effects acceptable with controls.

“49 Policy 29 of NPF4 supports development proposals in rural areas that contribute to the viability, sustainability and diversity of rural communities and the rural economy, including the expansion and diversification of existing businesses, where these are appropriately located, scaled and designed.”

“54 On balance, it is considered that the principle of a rural business use of this nature, in this location, is consistent with the strategic direction of national and local planning policy. The proposal represents a form of rural economic activity that is appropriately sited, makes functional use of a previously disturbed site, and benefits from a location that combines rural characteristics with reasonable accessibility.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Scottish Water, Transport Scotland and council services raised no objection, subject to conditions for noise, drainage, transport, water and contaminated land.

“39 Environmental Health (Noise/Odour) – No objection, subject to conditions controlling noise levels, operational activities and mitigation measures. This following additional information being submitted in relation to the initial Noise Impact Assessment. This incorporated background monitoring and a more robust methodology to demonstrate that noise impacts would be low and not result in unacceptable effects on nearby residential amenity.”

“44 Environmental Health (Contaminated Land) – No objection subject to a condition associated to a site investigation to assess ground conditions and ensure the land is suitable for the proposed use, given the quarry use.”

Officer report

What residents raised

One representation did not object but raised residential amenity and noise concerns, together with concern about dog training beyond the application boundary.

“45 One representation has been received which, whilst not objecting to the proposal raises the following issues.”

“Impact on residential amenity/noise control • Extent of dog training beyond red line planning boundary…”

Officer report

Who spoke to members

The agent and applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to a legal agreement, thirteen conditions and informatives, finding the proposal consistent with the Development Plan.

“Procedural Notes Permission shall not to be issued until the Section 75 Agreement has been signed and registered to take account of this application. The legal agreement should be concluded and completed within 4 months of the date of any Committee approval.”

Minutes